Key Biscayne Guide

A short drive across the Rickenbacker Causeway, just minutes from Downtown Miami and Brickell, takes you to a place where life immediately slows down. Key Biscayne is a go-to destination for natural beauty and a chic coastal vibe that is still close to the center of the city. It’s defined by golden sands, historic landmarks and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean.

How to Get There

The entrance to the island is a scenic journey over the water, by vehicle, by bike or on foot. The causeway features paved paths for cyclists and pedestrians that offer panoramic views of the Miami skyline. 

Beaches and Water Activities

The water is the heart of many of the activities in Key Biscayne. Boaters gather at the Nixon Beach Sandbar on the western side of the island. Its shallow water is a popular meeting spot to drop anchor to swim and socialize.

Key Biscayne features three miles of soft-sand beaches facing the Atlantic. While Crandon Park Beach and the shores of Bill Baggs provide a large natural setting, the central stretch of Key Biscayne Beach offers closer access to the modern comforts of the town.

For those traveling with pets, Hobie Beach remains a favorite dog-friendly spot along the causeway, with shallow waters and steady breezes, earning it the nickname "Windsurfer Beach." For over 20 years, it has hosted a local windsurfing concession where you can rent gear or sign up for lessons. It's a great place to experience the bay from a board, with the skyline as a backdrop.

Beneath the surface, the Neptune Memorial Reef lies 45 feet down, east of the shore. This manmade structure was designed to look like a lost city and serves as an artificial reef that supports diverse marine life. It’s also an eco-friendly burial place for cremated remains. Local charters such as Diver’s Paradise in Crandon Park provide transportation and equipment for exploring this underwater site.

Waterfront Dining

Along the Rickenbacker Causeway, the Rusty Pelican stands as a landmark of island dining. Its floor-to-ceiling windows provide a beautiful look at the city across Biscayne Bay, while guests enjoy seafood dishes like Chilean sea bass with smoked plantain mash or surf-and-turf.

Next door, Gramps Getaway offers a more relaxed, waterfront atmosphere. This spot has quickly become a local favorite for its Florida vibes and skyline views. The restaurant and bar also offers a weekday breakfast, making it a frequent stop for an early morning coffee with a view. It remains a popular location for smoked fish dip and cocktails, often with a DJ hosting. You can arrive by boat or car.

Favorite Food

While the island is known for its parks, the interior is home to plenty of culinary institutions. Donut Gallery Diner has served the community since 1972. While the name is a bit of a misnomer (no donuts here), this retro diner serves breakfast and lunch on low vinyl stools overlooking the busy griddle.

Flour & Weirdoughs is a top bakery on the island, a favorite among locals who come for its sourdough loaves, cinnamon rolls and a savory spicy egg sandwich. Peruvian bakery Piononos is famous for its strawberry pavlovas, which feature layers of whipped cream, dulce de leche and walnut meringue, and are a mandatory treat at island birthday parties. For a different local tradition, Sir Pizza serves legendary square-cut slices that are often paired with a side of house-made ranch dressing.

Narbona Key Biscayne brings Uruguayan flavors to the island, functioning as a restaurant and market, where guests can enjoy a giant chivito sandwich or a pizza topped with prosciutto and parmesan shavings. Nearby, Milanezza Kitchen Bar & Market is favored for its Argentine-inspired menu, featuring breaded milanesas and tapas.

Coastal Parks and Nature Preserves

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park anchors the southern tip of the island, preserving a piece of Florida history with its iconic lighthouse, which was originally constructed in 1825. Guests can climb the spiral stairs to reach the balcony for views of the ocean and the shoreline. Beneath the tower, the beach provides a place for swimming. Nature trails wind through the park, offering paths for cycling and walking under the shade of native trees.

Crandon Park occupies the northern portion of the island with a beach and nature trails. At the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, naturalists lead tours through the Bear Cut Preserve, taking guests through mangroves and across a boardwalk to check out a fossilized coral reef.

Crandon Park is also a top location for tennis lovers. The Crandon Park Tennis Center features 27 courts with two different surfaces: hard courts and American green clay. While the Miami Open has moved to Miami Gardens, this facility remains a hub for the sport, hosting the Junior Orange Bowl and various USTA sanctioned events throughout the year. Visitors can book court time or join clinics led by tennis pros.

Where to Stay

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami has emerged from a major renovation with a sun-washed look featuring limestone and mangrove-wood accents and a massive glass façade in the lobby that provides an uninterrupted view of the ocean.

Its flagship restaurant, Luma, offers Italian coastal cuisine, including handmade pastas and wood-fired steaks. For a meal by the sand, Paralía serves Greek and Turkish dishes like salt-crusted fish. Local favorite Pura Vida, a local wellness cafe known for acai bowls, fresh juices, and healthy bites, is also on the grounds.